Abstract: A system for controlling multiple vehicle includes a twelve volt (12V)/forty-two volt (42V) battery power distribution system that provides direct current. The system converts single phase alternating current to multiple phase alternating current to simultaneously power multiple vehicle systems. A single pulse width modulation generator converts the direct current from the 12V/42V battery power distribution system to alternating current. This provides one power supply path of alternating current, which has a first phase. A splitter device splits the one power supply path of alternating current into three power paths. A lead/lag circuit is used to shift the alternating current of the second path to a second phase different than the first phase of the first power supply path. A second lead/lag circuit for shifts the alternating current of the third path to a third phase different than the first phase or the second phase. This creates a three-phase alternating current power from a single direct current source.

Abstract: A housing structure for a mobile element, such as a regulator drum, includes a dish that covers the housing and a backing plate with an opening large enough to accommodate the mobile element and one or more pliable tongues extending into the opening. The tongues hold the mobile element in the housing while still allowing the element to be removed without dismantling the housing or the element.

Abstract: An active window seal assembly is disclosed that operatively engages a movable window when the window is stationary and disengages the window when the window is in motion. The seal assembly comprises a stationary frame, a movable lip that is operatively connected to the stationary frame, and a cavity disposed between the stationary frame and the movable lip. Several configurations provide for movement of the movable lip when the movable window is in motion. The first configuration allows the cavity to inflate with air, thus forcing the movable lip away from the window. A second configuration provides that the air in the cavity be evacuated, thus pulling the movable lip away from the window. A third configuration provides that a voltage be applied to the stationary frame and the movable lip to create an electric field. The electric field draws the movable lip toward the stationary frame and away from the movable window.

Abstract: An AC motor is utilized to drive a closure on a vehicle. The use of the AC motor provides valuable benefits with regard to cost and size. Further, a three-phase AC motor may be utilized, and the pulses in its power supply monitored to determine an obstruction in the path of the closure. Frequency control may also be utilized to provide optimum control of the drive of the component at both start-up and stop.

Abstract: A system assembles an apparatus for activating a window on a fixed support. The apparatus includes a drum housing drum cover which has a cover body which is capable of being secured on the fixed support by a first securing member. The cover body includes lugs which block the drum in the drum cover. The system further includes a motor assembly for driving the drum in rotation. The motor assembly includes a principle body which is capable of being secured on the cover body by a second securing member.

Abstract: A plurality of motors for use in driving accessories on a vehicle, are each powered by three-phase current. A single controller controls the supply three-phase current to the plurality of motors. In another aspect of the invention, pseudothree-phase current is created from a direct current voltage source. A chopping circuit chops the voltage into a plurality of pulses, and a phase shift circuit then creates phase-shifted power signals from those pulses. The present invention thus enables the use of three-phase alternating current motors on a vehicle to drive accessories. This reduces the cost and size of the required motors.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling multiple vehicle systems includes a single power supply that provides a direct current source. The power supply is comprised of a thirty-six volt (36 V) battery power distribution system. A converter is electrically connected to the power supply to convert direct current to alternating current. A plurality of induction motors are used to operate various vehicle systems. The motors receive alternating current via electrical connections between the converter and the motors. A central processor is connected to relays sending power to each of the motors and provides control signals to the motors based on input from control members used to activate each of the various vehicle systems. At least one sensor is associated with each of the motors to monitor voltage or current of the respective motor and to generate a diagnostic signal that is sent to the processor.

Abstract: An object detection system includes a sensor in communication with a controller which identifies contact with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the sensor is a piezo film which generates a signal when an object applies a predetermined force to the edge of the moveable glass member. This signal is identifiable by the controller in communication with the piezo film. Another embodiment of the sensor provides a pair of substantially parallel segments of conductive material applied along the edge of the window. When an object is in contact with both segments of conductive material an electrical signal is conducted and identified by the controller. When the controller determines an object is in contact with the sensor and therefore the moveable glass member, the controller halts or reverses the movement of the moveable glass member to prevent trapping the object between the closing moveable glass member and the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling multiple vehicle systems includes a single power supply that provides a direct current source. The power supply is comprised of a thirty-six volt (36 V) battery power distribution system. A converter is electrically connected to the power supply to convert direct current to alternating current. A plurality of induction motors are used to operate various vehicle systems. The motors receive alternating current via electrical connections between the converter and the motors. A central processor is connected to relays sending power to each of the motors and provides control signals to the motors based on input from control members used to activate each of the various vehicle systems. At least one sensor is associated with each of the motors to monitor voltage or current of the respective motor and to generate a diagnostic signal that is sent to the processor.

Abstract: A method of forming a relatively low cost motor provides a motor rotor and/or stator which has a generally solid body. The core of the body is formed of a less conductive material, and a more conductive material is at circumferentially spaced locations on the core. In one embodiment, the conductive material and the less conductive material are co-extruded. In a second embodiment, the core material is formed by powdered metal technology, and the conductive material is deposited onto the core.

Abstract: In the disclosed embodiment of this invention, sets of straight wire bundles are molded or otherwise encased about a cylindrical rotor casing. The straight wire bundles lie parallel to the axis of the cylindrical rotor casing. This process is an alternative to a traditional type of electric motor armature which uses a wire that is coiled around the cylindrical rotor casing. Since the wire bundles are straight and not pulled from a single wire roll, breaking and stretching of the wire is greatly reduced. The straight wire bundles are connected at their ends using a circuit cap to form a complete electrical circuit.

Abstract: An AC motor is utilized to drive a closure on a vehicle. The use of the AC motor provides valuable benefits with regard to cost and size. Further, a three-phase AC motor may be utilized, and the pulses in its power supply monitored to determine an obstruction in the path of the closure. Frequency control may also be utilized to provide optimum control of the drive of the component at both start-up and stop.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple vehicle includes a twelve volt (12V)/forty-two volt (42V) battery power distribution system that provides direct current. The system converts single phase alternating current to multiple phase alternating current to simultaneously power multiple vehicle systems. A single pulse width modulation generator converts the direct current from the 12V/42V battery power distribution system to alternating current. This provides one power supply path of alternating current, which has a first phase. A splitter device splits the one power supply path of alternating current into three power paths. A lead/lag circuit is used to shift the alternating current of the second path to a second phase different than the first phase of the first power supply path. A second lead/lag circuit for shifts the alternating current of the third path to a third phase different than the first phase or the second phase. This creates a three-phase alternating current power from a single direct current source.

Abstract: A plurality of motors for use in driving accessories on a vehicle, are each powered by three-phase current. A single controller controls the supply three-phase current to the plurality of motors. In another aspect of the invention, pseudothree-phase current is created from a direct current voltage source. A chopping circuit chops the voltage into a plurality of pulses, and a phase shift circuit then creates phase-shifted power signals from those pulses. The present invention thus enables the use of three-phase alternating current motors on a vehicle to drive accessories. This reduces the cost and size of the required motors.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes a sensor mounted on a drive motor that drives a regulator to move the window upward and downward. The sensor senses a resistive torque applied against the regulator and generates a signal having a value proportional to the amount of resistive torque sensed. The signal is transmitted to a control circuit which then determines whether or not an object is caught between the window and its respective frame.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes an electric drive motor for opening and closing the automotive window. The electric drive motor receives power from a power supply via a primary brush assembly coupled to a power line. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the drive motor for sensing a resistive torque applied to the regulator and generating a signal having a value indicative of the resistive torque. The signal is then transmitted to a control circuit for determining whether or not an object is caught between the window and a frame based on the signal. The signal may be transmitted to the control circuit either by the primary brush assembly via the power line or by a secondary brush assembly coupled directly to the control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling and holding a mobile element of a system driving a mobile closure, in a housing made in a pre-formed plate. The mobile element is assembled and held in the housing by means of at least one pliable tongue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for assembling two components of a device activating a window regulator on a fixed support. According to the invention, one of the components is secured to the other component by a securing means and at least one of the components is secured to the fixed support by another securing means.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame is provided. The window opens and closes via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor. A force is sensed at an interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window. This force is compared with a predetermined value, and if the sensed force exceeds the predetermined value, an object caught between the window and its respective door frame is detected.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a vehicle window obstruction system incorporates a conductive coating placed on the window. Such coatings are known for use in defrost systems. A voltage source is connected to the conductive coating, such that an electrical charge is placed across the window. Electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored, and compared to expected values. In the event that an obstruction is encountered, the monitored values will differ from expected values, and a control can indicate the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, the signal could be a high frequency signal such as a sound signal which would be varied when the window contacts a human obstruction.